EDGE Programs
You are exploring an idea, building a venture, or looking for a community that understands what it takes to grow. EDGE is Sheridan’s entrepreneurship hub for students and founders, offering tailored programs, a coworking space, and events designed to develop the skills, networks and expertise you need at every stage of the journey.
This is a place well suited for students curious about entrepreneurship and founders ready to build something meaningful. We meet. you where you are and connect you with the tools, people and support to move forward with intention. Learn more about each of our programs below.
Learn more about each of our programs below.
Thrive
You have an idea—or the beginning of one—and you’re ready to explore what it could become. Thrive is Sheridan EDGE’s seven-week, mentorship-driven entrepreneurship program designed to support students as they grow ideas into purposeful, well-defined ventures. Through personalized guidance and hands-on learning, Thrive helps you build clarity, confidence and momentum at an early stage of your entrepreneurial journey.
This program is well suited for students who are exploring entrepreneurship and looking for structured, supportive guidance. Thrive meets you where you are and provides the tools, community and encouragement to help you move forward with intention.
Check out Thrive if:
- Are a Sheridan student with an early-stage idea, side project or course-based concept
- Are curious about entrepreneurship and want space to explore and test your thinking
- Would benefit from one-on-one mentorship and regular check-ins
- Want to build entrepreneurial mindset and career-ready skills alongside your studies
Benefits
One-on-one mentorship with experienced entrepreneurs over seven weeks
A guided learning journey through five levels, from mindset and ideation to planning and venture development
Hands-on, applied learning focused on real-world exploration and problem-solving
Support in shaping a business model, clarifying your value proposition and identifying next steps
A certificate of completion and Co-Curricular Record (CCR) recognition
Student Leadership Council
You want to participate in an intrapreneurship program that strengthens the student entrepreneurship community at Sheridan? The Student Leadership Council (SLC) is a co‑curricular program for students who want to develop leadership skills and shape student experience at EDGE. You’ll work in a small cohort over two academic terms to share feedback, explore ideas, and co-create student-focused programs and activities.
You’ll build experience beyond the classroom while helping EDGE understand student needs and priorities. You’ll also receive a Co-Curricular Record (CCR) certificate, which highlights learning experiences outside the classroom. If eligible, you could receive a letter of recommendation to support your future academic and professional opportunities.
Check out SLC if:
- Are a Sheridan student or recent graduate interested in building leadership skills
- Want to contribute your ideas and perspective to improve student focused programs at EDGE
- Are curious about innovation, intrapreneurship and community impact
Benefits
Receive recognition through a co‑curricular certification (CCR)
Develop leadership and professional skills while shaping future student programming
Get hands‑on experience contributing ideas to strengthen the student entrepreneurship community
Become career‑ready by developing intrapreneurial and professional skills that can be used across industries
Expand your network within the entrepreneurship and innovation community
Co-op on the EDGE (COTE)
Apply your skills beyond the classroom and get a co‑op experience that’s purpose-driven and connected to small businesses. Co‑op on the EDGE (COTE) is an entrepreneurial internship program where students are placed with startup teams.
You’ll contribute to project work for the startup while gaining experience in areas such as entrepreneurship, marketing, digital development, and venture operations. You’ll build industry connections and develop skills that support jobs and future career opportunities. COTE blends experiential learning with mentorship, reflection and ecosystem engagement.
Check out COTE if:
- Are a Sheridan student completing a co‑op term and interested in entrepreneurship or innovation
- Want experience working on real projects with founders and early‑stage ventures
- Are looking to build entrepreneurial, intrapreneurial and career‑ready skills through applied learning
Benefits
Build entrepreneurial and innovation skills while gaining hands-on experience working with founders on real projects
Develop your startup idea and launch a venture
Access Slate learning modules focused on entrepreneurship, ideation, innovation and professional growth
Network at industry events, workshops and build founder connections
Rise
Your social venture is in motion: your product or service is outlined, your impact is clear, you understand your customers’ challenges at a deep level and your sights are set on revenue. It’s time to Rise! This 8-month program focuses on high-value, high-intensity support for social venture founders, customized to your venture’s stage of growth. We’ll help you focus so you can create an impactful, profitable and sustainable venture. You’ll have the chance to learn in small groups of diverse and like-minded founders while growing your impact and advancing your ambitious goals.
Check out Rise if:
- You’re the founder of a registered social enterprise (non-profit, for-profit, or co-op) and you’re ready to achieve a big vision
- Your product or service is ready to sell or already generating sales revenue
- You have defined objectives grounded in the social or environmental impact you want to create
Benefits
Individualized coaching focused on people, planet and profit valued at $10,000
Support from seasoned mentors who collaborate to ensure your venture’s success.
Practical problem-solving support and introductions to key networks
Help to drive customer leads for your venture using proven digital marketing strategies
Access to a dynamic cohort of fellow impact entrepreneurs at similar stages of growth
And more!
Momentum
Momentum is a ten-week virtual group coaching program that’s designed to help entrepreneurs move from learning to action. You’ll receive personalized feedback on your current challenges starting or building a business or non-profit. Gathering bi-weekly in small groups of founders (5-7 people) led by experienced coaches, you’ll get the support you need to gain momentum and scale your impact!
Check out Momentum if you fit any of these criteria:
- You've completed EDGE's Leap Startup League, Leap, Social Impact Catalyst, or Co-op on the EDGE programs
- You’ve completed foundational entrepreneurship learning and seek additional support as you develop your venture
- You have lived experience as a founder that taught you the basics of entrepreneurship (you understand value propositions, business modelling tools, customer discovery processes, etc.)
Benefits
Individualized coaching focused on people, planet and profit (valued at $1,000).
Access to a dynamic cohort of fellow impact entrepreneurs at similar stages of growth.
Practical problem-solving support from a seasoned coach to ensure your venture’s success.
Access to book office hours with our legal advisor, Sheridan faculty advisors and EDGE staff.
EDGE Community Membership (valued at $60) for 3 months.
Coworking space for occasional collaboration at EDGE Coworking in Mississauga.
Social Impact Catalyst
You’re an aspiring youth impact entrepreneur looking to learn alongside a group of other inspiring changemakers. You want to learn more about social impact, entrepreneurship and how to lead a social venture. You have a promising idea or a new venture that aims to create change aligned with this year’s theme: climate change and environmental sustainability.
This program has been made possible with the generous support of RBC Future Launch, a proud partner of Sheridan and EDGE.
Check out Social Impact Catalyst if:
- You're between the age of 15-29 in the Peel and Halton region
- You have an idea, project or venture that seeks to tackle climate change and environmental sustainability.
- You can commit to attending pre-scheduled events, completing deliverables and investing about 5 hours/week in program work.
Benefits
$2,000 Honorarium per venture
Virtual community and networking opportunities
Group and one-on-one mentoring
Support to promote your venture
And more!